John J. 'Dutch' Piergalline Sr., 86, Wyeth supervisor

John J. "Dutch" Piergalline Sr., 86, of West Chester, a retired Wyeth Laboratories supervisor and decorated World War II veteran, died Sunday, July 31, at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester of medical problems caused by stomach wounds he sustained in battle.

Mr. Piergalline attended West Chester High School, where he starred on the football team and played varsity basketball and baseball.

In 1943, he dropped out of school to join the Army. While fighting in Italy, he suffered machine-gun wounds to his hands, an arm, and his stomach. Army officials advised his parents he was "dangerously ill."

Mr. Piergalline recovered and, after his discharge, earned a high school diploma and attended Ball State University on an athletic scholarship.

In 1950, he joined Wyeth Laboratories in West Chester. After retiring in 1987 as a section supervisor, he worked part time at Coast to Coast Auto Sales in West Chester for 24 years.

He met Helen Regan at an amateur baseball game in which he was playing. They married in 1956.

Though over the years he had recurring abdominal surgeries, he kept physically fit by swimming and playing handball at the West Chester Area YMCA, where he had been a member for 73 years, his wife said.

He was active with the West Chester VFW, the American Legion, and the West Chester Red Men, a social group.

Besides his wife, Mr. Piergalline is survived by sons John Jr., Michael, and Robert; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, and 8 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, 410 N. Church St., West Chester. A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, 233 W. Gay St., West Chester, Pa. 19380. Burial will be in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the church or to the West Chester Area YMCA, 605 Airport Rd., West Chester, Pa. 19380.